Tommy's Darlinghurst — Restaurant in Sydney

What is wrong with Tommy’s Darlinghurst? The answer to this question can be found in the answer to the riddle below followed by the review:

One word answer please at the bottom of the review so be patient:

What is more powerful than God? What is more evil than the Devil? If you eat me you die.

REVIEW We have ventured to Tommy’s on two occasions and on both visits we were greeted by a rather tall gentleman with tree hugging vibes named Chris. I quickly learned that Chris is the manager of the joint (sure he has blazed a few in his time) and I would go as far as to say he is probably the funniest and nicest service provider we have experienced for many a moon. Service is his game and he makes sure that you are always well quenched and that the food is arriving on time.

On both occasions we opted for the banquet which was super both times. Solid portions and variety. The only downside was the churros which had no bounce. I like my churros to be silky smooth and fluffy (imagine bunny rabbits dancing around your mouth on fluffy clouds) and these tasted more like a bull dancing on cement.

It is impossible to be perfect but Tommy’s gives it a good go and the real highlight is the staff. A cracking environment of fun and humour and all managed by the fearless leader Chris. It seems to me that he has a double life as come 8pm he is out the door to go save a tree or smoke one perhaps but he is certainly a wonderful host and manager and I cannot recommend him and his team highly enough.

The set up is nice with good lighting and would be ideal for a date night. The inside lighting would compliment Shrek or a swamp donkey so best foot forward if you are thinking of impressing but perhaps have a bad hair day or going for the Wayne Rooney look.

Be warned the tables right next to the entrance are very low and would be ideal if a certain Lannister went for dinner. To be honest I am 6ft 3 and managed but you may have to lift up the old plate when smashing down the juicy lamb taco.

Oh put some bourbon on the menu would be my only recommendation and perhaps soft drinks such as coke for the drivers. Ohh bourbon and coke works ;)

So in conclusion what is wrong with...

We booked Tommy’s for my birthday dinner and had high hopes for a fun night out. While the drinks definitely kept the party vibe going, the overall experience was a bit of a mixed bag. First off, the space itself is stunning—dimly lit and cozy, it’s perfect for a dinner date or a romantic night out. The drinks were another highlight: they came out fast, tasted great, and had us all in high spirits pretty quickly. 🍹

That said, things started to go sideways with the service. As a large group with several dietary requirements (vegan, no seafood, no nuts), we made sure to communicate everything upfront. Even so, we were initially told we’d all have to order the same main dish, which felt impossible given our group’s needs. After some back-and-forth, they finally allowed us to order individually, but the whole process felt unnecessarily stressful.

The food itself was okay, but nothing really stood out. A few dishes—like the wagyu and the corn chips with avocado—were overly salty for my taste. And while the banquet menu had a lot of promise, there was confusion around how it worked. Three different waiters gave us different instructions, which only added to the frustration.

One major disappointment was the inconsistency with their drink package policy. We had emailed ahead to ask if non-drinkers could opt for a cheaper package and were told yes. But when we arrived, we were told the policy had changed, and everyone had to pay for the $25 drinks package, whether they drank or not. It felt unfair and poorly handled.

To top it off, there was an awkward moment when we saw a chef yelling at a waitress in front of everyone. It made the atmosphere uncomfortable, and honestly, it was a bit unprofessional. All that said, we still managed to have a good time. The drinks were tasty, and the setting is undeniably beautiful. I’d recommend it for a date or a smaller group where dietary restrictions aren’t as much of a concern. But for larger groups, especially with mixed needs, I’d think twice...

After a disappointing first experience, I decided to give Tommy in Darlinghurst a second chance, a rarity for me as I typically don't revisit places. However, I'm thrilled I did because I can confidently say that Tommy in Darlinghurst surpasses its counterpart in Manly any day. Every dish was bursting with fresh flavors, and considering the quality, the prices were unbeatable. The Guacamole and chips were a must-try, with a delightful seasoning that elevated the dish. The fish tacos were a refreshing delight, wrapped in soft tortillas with a rainbow of flavors. The Espetada, a grilled chicken dish, was both delicious and delightfully spicy. But the true star of the evening was the Tomahawk A La Parilla MB4+, cooked to perfection and melting in my mouth. Served with Papas Huancaina, Brussel Sprouts, and potatoes, it was a flawless meal. For dessert, we tried the Corn Mousse with Popcorn & Almond Crumb and Coconut, a unique and intriguing combination that surprised our taste buds. And of course, the Dulce De Leche Gelato was simply divine.What truly sets Tommy in Darlinghurst apart, however, is the exceptional service we received from Linda and Rita. They were not only friendly and attentive but treated us like family. Their warmth added immensely to the already inviting atmosphere of the restaurant. From the creative and friendly bartender to the continuous stream of complimentary treats, the entire staff went above and beyond. It's rare to find such outstanding service, and it's the kind of experience that will have us coming back for more. Additionally, I must commend the business owner for their gracious handling of our initial complaint. Their welcoming attitude and invitation to experience their establishment again truly demonstrated their commitment to customer...